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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 129


Page 129 of 510

Missing wind variability means future impacts of climate change may be underestimated in Europe and North America

Researchers at the University of Reading found that climate models underpredict regional temperatures and rainfall, particularly in the mid-latitudes, by neglecting extratropical wind variability. This increases uncertainty and likelihood of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Meeting sleep recommendations could lead to smarter snacking

A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Is your child a fussy eater?

A systematic review of 80 health industry studies found that pressuring children to eat negatively influences fussy eating, while a more relaxed parenting style and family meals reduce the likelihood. Researchers recommend positive parenting and involving kids in meal preparation to help them overcome picky eating habits.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2021

Nano-scale discovery could help to cool down overheating in electronics

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a way to cool down ultra-small heat sources by packing them closer together, using computational simulations to track the passage of heat. The findings highlight the challenges of designing efficient electronic devices and could lead to faster cooling in future tech.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Cancer shortens lifespan in transplant recipients

A recent study published in CANCER found that cancer significantly reduces the life expectancy of transplant recipients, particularly those who receive lung or heart transplants. The average lifespan lost due to cancer diagnosis among these patients is approximately 2.7 years.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 20, 2021

For the first time, stroke study reveals optimal timing and intensity for arm and hand rehabilitation

A phase II clinical trial found that intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke is most effective 60 to 90 days after the event. The study showed significant improvement in hand and arm function, with benefits also seen when rehabilitation started at less than 30 days post-stroke.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2021

Gun violence exposure associated with higher rates of mental health-related ED visits by children

Children exposed to gun violence within a four-block radius are more likely to experience mental health distress, with symptoms appearing days after the incident. Researchers recommend reducing community violence through safe storage and background check laws, as well as providing preventive support for affected families.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

A genetic brain disease reversed after birth

Researchers at RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research have found that Kleefstra syndrome, a genetic disorder leading to intellectual disability, can be reversed after birth. Postnatal treatment with artificially induced GLP production resulted in improved brain and behavioral symptoms.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateSep 20, 2021

Mars habitability limited by its small size, isotope study suggests

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that Mars' small size limits its habitability due to a lack of retained volatiles. Researchers used potassium isotopes to determine the presence and abundance of volatile elements on Mars, finding a correlation between body size and volatile composition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Synchrony through touch

A study found that touch and proximity contribute to the attunement of brain and heart rhythms between mother and baby. Mother-baby pairs showed mutual neural adjustment when they touched each other or played face-to-face, demonstrating the fundamental role of touch in early adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 20, 2021

Psychosis risk linked to cats

A new study by Orygen has linked exposure to toxoplasma gondii, carried by cats, with an increased likelihood of developing psychosis in young people. The observational study found a significant association between long-term Toxoplasma infection and the transition to first-episode psychosis.

SourceOrygen·JournalSchizophrenia Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

Early treatment with ACE inhibitors in becker muscular dystrophy patients improves cardiac health

A new study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that starting treatment with an ACE inhibitor as soon as cardiac function drops below normal reduces the risk of severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure in BMD patients. Early treatment significantly improves long-term cardiac outcomes, reducing hospitalizations for h...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 20, 2021

Online space fails to deliver as equalizer for female scientists

A new Northwestern University study has found that despite promises of equal opportunity, women are less successful than men in the digital space, with implications for recognition and awards. Online presence is associated with factors such as past work impact and social capital, but men tend to benefit disproportionately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

DNA modifications could be used to determine the progression of severe liver disease

Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns at specific genomic sites correlated with levels of fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study suggests that these patterns could be used to diagnose the severity of this condition, potentially leading to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalClinical Epigenetics·DateSep 20, 2021

Social policies for the digital age

Comparative survey data from over 25,000 respondents highlights workers' concerns about technology-related job risks and expectations for funding for training and continuing education. Governments are advised to take a balanced policy approach, investing in social investment and social transfer measures.

How culture impacts the emphasis people place on passion in career decisions

A study by Yale-NUS researchers found that cultural backgrounds shape individuals' attitudes toward pursuing a passion as a career, affecting life outcomes. Americans tend to prioritize independence and believe passion motivates personal fulfilment, whereas Singaporeans prioritize pragmatism and view passions as potentially problematic.

SourceYale-NUS College·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateSep 19, 2021

Novartis unveils new data at ESMO 2021, including compelling longest ever reported median overall survival data in advanced breast cancer, as it continues to push the boundaries of innovation

Novartis presents Phase III MONALEESA-2 study results demonstrating improved overall survival with Kisqali (ribociclib) in combination with letrozole. The analysis shows a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in survival, with median OS of 63.9 months.

ESMO: HER2-targeting antibody-drug improves progression-free survival for women with deadly form of advanced breast cancer

The study found that treating women with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer with trastuzumab deruxtecan significantly prolongs the length of time the disease is controlled and cancer growth is halted. Patients who received the drug had a 72% improvement in progression-free survival compared to trastuzumab emtansine.

Antibody-drug conjugate shows impressive activity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with mutation in HER2 gene

A clinical trial found that over half of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a HER2 gene mutation had their tumors stop growing or shrink after treatment with trastuzumab deruxtecan. The drug showed durable responses in 54.9% of patients, with median survival period of 17.8 months.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2021